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Jennifer Hernandez spent many years supporting her husband and their business while raising her children in Carlsbad, New Mexico. When their kids reached school age, she decided she was ready to reenter the workforce and start a career outside the home.
“I was ready to start building a career for myself,” Hernandez said. “We’ve done everything together, and now it was my turn to spread my wings and build my career.”
Reentering the Workforce as a Woman in Construction
Enter EquipmentShare, an equipment rental and technology solutions company. Jennifer was hired as a rental coordinator at the EquipmentShare Carlsbad location in 2020. A rental coordinator is responsible for scheduling rentals and maintaining service standards with customers. She soaked up as much knowledge as possible with help from General Manager Mike Galvan.
“I loved being a rental coordinator — I was hands-on and nosy, and Mike Galvan was willing to teach me every single thing,” Hernandez said “He was an amazing mentor.”
Hernandez wanted another challenge and decided to jump into a rental equipment sales position, becoming a territory account manager in 2022. Territory account managers are responsible for building relationships with contractors and construction company principals.
“I’m glad I started as a rental coordinator for EquipmentShare and learned what needed to be done and how it needed to be done,” Hernandez said. “I knew the irritating things account managers would sometimes do, so I know what not to do for the rental coordinators. I make their life easier, so they are happy to help me when I need them.”
What Is It Like to Be a Woman in the Construction Industry?
Hernandez may have never done equipment rental sales, but she had some relevant experience on her resume. She originally went to school to become a dental assistant and then went into insurance sales. After meeting and marrying her husband, the construction industry came calling and that’s where she has spent the majority of her career. The Hernandez family business works alongside the construction industry — that’s where she gained even more valuable experience.
“The oil fields are a big industry here, and I have always been involved in some capacity,” Hernandez said. “I went into my role at EquipmentShare knowing and having some experience with what is involved in this industry and what it takes to be successful.”
Hernandez represents a growing number of women in construction, and she would love to see that number continue to climb.
“I’ve fought to make a name for myself and I’ve earned the respect through hard work,” Hernandez said. “I carry myself very highly and go out with a ‘yes sir’ and ‘yes ma'am,’ because I want the same treatment in return.”
What Makes Hernandez So Successful?
Simply put, Hernandez loves solving problems and building relationships.
“I love getting a customer set up, working with them from the beginning and creating a bond and relationship with them,” she said. “It’s a rewarding feeling to have that relationship with a customer and be able to help them when they need me — I’m their first call.”
“If I am going to do something, I give it 110%. I'm a go-getter and set goals higher than I'll probably reach so that I can strive for higher standards. It’s surreal to me to have met goals and to be reaching goals that I’ve set for myself. I’m the No. 27 sales representative in the entire company and No. 5 in the district, so I go out there and hold my own with the guys.”
Hernandez has become successful in the construction industry through hard work, relationship building and becoming an expert in her domain.
Why Is EquipmentShare a Better Place To Work?
Hernandez loves working for EquipmentShare and even jokes she’ll have to be removed before she quits.
“It’s my favorite place to work,” Hernandez said. “You can start in one position, and your doors are never closed. You can move into other roles and grow with the company. EquipmentShare is going to have to fire me to get rid of me. I’m very happy and successful here.”
Hernandez also acknowledges it takes a team to be successful in her role. Alongside building relationships with clients, she’s built a network within EquipmentShare.
“They take care of us here, and there’s a team for everything. You never feel alone, you always feel supported,” Hernandez said. “I can call on a general manager or colleague and tell them what’s going on at a jobsite, and they’ll ride with me and we can fix a problem together. It’s a team effort.”
Start Your Career in Construction
Do you want to help solve problems for customers and get your foot in the door as a woman in the construction industry? Check out our open roles and see what makes EquipmentShare a better place to work.
